The One Favored by Fate

Ziusudra—

Rovi was somewhat surprised by that title.

After all, in Mesopotamian Mythology, Ziusudra was one of the few survivors of the world-ending Great Flood from an even more ancient age. He was also the name of one who had long dwelled in the Netherworld, living forever without dying. In the Epic of Gilgamesh recorded by later generations, which Rovi knew of, it was he who told the aged Gilgamesh of the herb of eternal youth, setting him on his journey to seek immortality.

But to Ziusudra, this was a perfectly natural encounter.

After all, he had actually been waiting here for Rovi to leave.

Like Gilgamesh, this Netherworld recluse had survived the prehistoric flood that had caused civilization to break apart, and had accidentally gained the power of immortality. He also possessed extremely unusual "eyes."

He could see the "threads" of fate woven into a person's existence.

Such threads determined a person's origin and their end—**their origin was inevitable, but their end was mutable and unfixed.

Put simply, the end of fate was the life-threatening trial one would encounter.

If one overcame it, the thread would extend.

"But you do not have such a thread."

An aged, hoarse voice rose amid the dust that occasionally drifted through the streets on the wind, reaching Rovi's ears. "There is no thread of fate upon you."

"I have never seen anyone like you, but I once heard the gods in heaven speak of one—though I never met him. During the Great Flood of old that I experienced, there was also someone who did not exist within fate."

"He was the one who built a great ship and preserved the spark of human civilization, the savior amid disaster. His name was Naphistim, and that world-ending flood was named after him."

"And now... I have seen the fate of destruction descend once more upon everyone except you."

"Therefore, I believe you are a crucial person who will, in the future, help this land overcome an unprecedented calamity." The ragged, gaunt old man stood in a corner by the street, looking at Rovi.

Rovi fell silent and considered it. He knew he had no thread of fate, perhaps because he was a transmigrator, but some things could not be said aloud.

So he merely turned and asked, "What kind of calamity?"

"I do not know." Ziusudra shook his head. "Perhaps it is a punishment already sent down by the gods—the strongest demonic beast and the strongest divine beast. Or perhaps it is an even greater disaster... though that is unlikely."

The simultaneous deployment of the strongest demonic beast and strongest divine beast was already the final means currently available to the gods.

Though it could not compare to Naphistim's Great Flood of old, it was enough to destroy the surface of the present-day Mesopotamian Plain and bring about another break in civilization.

As for something greater than that... the gods would likely have to break through the restrictions of the age and appear in the present world once again.

Perhaps even the ancient Primordial Gods would return to the surface.

That probability was indeed infinitesimal.

"So, you wish to protect me?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Ziusudra's aged, hoarse voice sounded without hesitation. "I am one who has clung to life from the ancient age to this day, so I know full well the desolation left after the world is cleansed."

"And I do not wish to experience it again!"

Rovi rubbed his chin.

To others, the name Ziusudra might have been no more than the name of an immortal who existed in myth. In truth, he had also appeared in the Epic of Gilgamesh familiar to Rovi, as the elder who told the aged Gilgamesh of the herb of eternal youth.

But in Rovi's eyes... Ziusudra also represented the possibility of being the "most ancient assassin."

In the Nasuverse series, King Hassan, who occupied the Grand seat at the pinnacle of the Assassin among the seven classes of the Throne of Heroes, had once appeared in Gilgamesh's age under the name Ziusudra.

Though that had been a distorted age, a Singularity Point in history.

Yet if he had appeared with such an identity, there had to be a connection between them.

Now that Rovi had heard Ziusudra describe his abilities, it was difficult not to make the association and grow suspicious.

That was why, after encountering him, he had brought him here to his residence.

"But I do not need your protection."

After a brief consideration, he rejected the old man's proposal. "I have already become the Key of Heaven. You should know that."

"Of course I know of the mighty power fashioned by the gods." Ziusudra nodded without denying it, but he persisted. "Yet no one can be strong in every respect. Even you—the former King of Uruk, that Divine Construct Golem—must have weaknesses."

"And I can guard those weaknesses for you."

"But when fate reaches its 'end,' no one can escape the Netherworld's bell claiming their life—"

Damn it, it really was King Hassan!

Rovi was certain.

Even if this was not the man himself, he had to be inextricably connected to that Grand Assassin. Their very existences were completely alike!

How could Rovi, who longed for death, possibly allow this man to protect him?

But judging by Ziusudra's attitude, he did not seem like someone who would heed persuasion... After a moment's thought, Rovi came up with an idea.

"I do not need your protection, but since you insist, then—I shall entrust you with something!"

His expression turned serious. "Next, I will be traveling as an envoy to a city-state north of Uruk. Go there first and clear away any potential obstacles for me!"

In truth, Rovi intended to go to another country.

He merely needed to send Ziusudra away...

"Remember, keep your actions concealed." Rovi added at the end.

The old man wrapped in black robes lowered his head and pulled on his hood, whose edge was torn and broken. From beneath the shadows came a low, hoarse voice. "Rest assured. I have lived for so long—I know what to do!"

Over his long years, the hermit who occasionally stepped out of the Netherworld had seen every kind of storm. He was also a man who had stirred up more than one slaughter.

Thus, Rovi did not need to explain much. Ziusudra naturally had his own methods of protecting a target.

Seeing that they had reached an understanding, Rovi smiled as well.

He did not believe Ziusudra could not tell that he was trying to send him away—but since the other man had accepted the excuse, there was no need for Rovi to say anything further.

As long as they were in two separate countries, whatever Ziusudra did should not affect him.

"Pleasure working with you, Elder Ziusudra."

Ziusudra responded, but a flicker of azure flame flashed deep within his dark, profound eyes.

"I will set out at once." He gave Rovi a slight bow, then turned away.

"Then I will await your good news." Rovi watched him depart.

Leaving the shadows and walking through the streets, Ziusudra passed amid the crowds flowing back and forth through a world sharply divided between sunlight and shade.

He moved among them. Though his steps were slow, his progress was extremely swift.

He crossed the streets.

He passed through the city-state's walls and gates.

Setting foot upon the northern wasteland... the old man's figure gradually grew taller. Black armor enveloped him, and the Greatsword of Azure and Iron fell into his palm in an instant.

His attire was exceptionally conspicuous.

Stealth without concealing his trail at all.

That was Ziusudra's way of protecting someone.

"Those who seek life shall die; those who seek death shall live. The road's end of death lies in a momentary crossing, while the fate of life lies in a fleeting choice."

"Better to fear his weapon than his benevolence."

"Better to fear his might than his weapon."